Joseph William "Bill" Hamer, Jr.

Dr. Joseph William (Bill) Hamer, Jr. passed away while surrounded by his family sharing their love for him on October 9, 2023, at the age of 79. He was born on September 21, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Gladys Byars Hamer and Joseph William Hamer, Sr both of whom preceded him in death.

Bill received his BS from Lambuth College in 1966, his Masters from Memphis State in 1967, a Doctorate from the University of Georgia in 1973, and certification from the Harvard Institute for Management 1978.

Bill was a passionate educator, mentor, and leader throughout his career. He began his journey in Clifton Forge, Virginia at Lancaster Community College as a psychology instructor. He served as Dean of Students at the University of Montevallo and taught classes in the graduate program. Bill served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Protective Life for twenty-five years. Upon his retirement, he found outlets to continue to teach and lead as a professor in the Business Departments at Birmingham-Southern and University of Montevallo, Bishop Will Willimon’s assistant for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, and served as a mentor and interim leader for various organizations.

Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years Beth Hamer, his son Richie Hamer (Becky) and his daughter Elizabeth Nall (Hubert), his brother Daniel Hamer (Donna), and his grandchildren Elle Hamer (19), and Max Hamer (16). He also leaves numerous beloved family, friends, church community, neighbors, and colleagues with whom he shared time in Montevallo and Birmingham.

Life-long United Methodist Bill and Beth have loved each church community where they have worshiped over the years, and cherish Canterbury Methodist where they have found a home in a loving and engaging faith community. Bill has served on church councils and many leadership roles on non-profit boards throughout Birmingham.

Bill possessed an innate knack for leadership and God’s eye to identify talent in others, and the ability to visualize potential and bring out the best from them. He was a beloved teacher and mentor to students, led coworkers with empathy and strength, and was respected and befriended by colleagues throughout his life. Bill loved teaching and mentoring others, and he was sought out by many who knew him for his wisdom, discernment, and calm nature for decision-making and guidance. Anyone who spent time with Bill knew he was an avid sports fan who was always ready to cheer on his beloved Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves to victory.

A visitation and memorial service will be held in honor of Bill’s life at Canterbury United Methodist Church on Friday, October 13, 2023. The family will receive visitors in the parlor from 11 am until noon, followed by a memorial service in the chapel at noon.

In Lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Urban Ministries. Your contribution will support the ministry and honor his legacy. Checks can be made out to Urban Ministry. The mailing address is 1229 Cotton Ave. SW Birmingham, AL. Online Gifts can be made at urban-ministry.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Hamer, Jr. family.